SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It's nearly been six months since the Sacramento Kings magical season came to an end. With only four days until the new season, the team held their annual Fan Fest to get players and fans ready.
Thousands of fans flooded into the Golden 1 Center Saturday for the event to get their first taste of the new season.
“It brings a lot of pride to Sacramento,” said Morris, a Kings fan.
“Everybody got a taste of it last year and they want more," said Jason Siebenthal, a diehard Kings fan.
For the Kings centennial season, the excitement filled the air in and around the Golden 1 Center. Another season brings renewed hope and optimism.
“It is good for the city. The city's buzzing so let's go kings” said Lester Lauria, who brought his family to Fan Fest.
“It's just an amazing atmosphere. I wouldn't trade this city. What we've done for this team for anything, this is just great” Danny Beckham, who has been a season ticket holder since 1985.
Last season’s run saw the Kings break a 16-season playoff drought. Fans tell ABC10 they have high expectations for the upcoming season.
“Western conference finals, Kings in four,” said Megan Lopez, who brought her family to Fan Fest.
“I can't wait to get into rock and rollin',” said Layne Schoonmaker, a lifelong Kings fan. “We are going to knock everybody out. We got it.”
But some who have went through the glory days and the dark ages, outlook is a bit measured.
“I think about 45 wins,” said Addison Skove, a lifelong Kings fan. “I think we are not going to win the Pacific Division. I think we are getting in the sixth seed, and I think that will be about right.”
This newfound success brings new fans on this voyage. As the team adds new faces and a Euro League MVP, Sasha Vezenkov.
Fans are hoping the upcoming season is more of the same, but with a deeper run.
